Michael Brandsegg-Nygard could play in North America next season

The Detroit Red Wings recently signed their top pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Level Draft to an entry-level contract (ELC). The quick signing suggests that forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard might play in North America as soon as this upcoming season, depending on how he performs for the Red Wings during training camp.

The shift comes as a bit of a surprise, as many thought Brandsegg-Nygard was destined to play in the Swedish Hockey League for Skelleftea AIK, where he signed a contract this past May. In addition to signing his ELC, Brandsegg-Nygard received an invite to the Red Wings training camp.

As described by The Hockey News, during a recent interview with Norwegian outlet Nitten, Brandsegg-Nygard said that he would attend training camp, with Detroit giving him a chance to make the NHL roster just months after drafting him. If he doesn't end up in Detroit, then the decision of where he plays next season comes down to Grand Rapids or Skelleftea AIK, a determination he and the Red Wings organization will make.

Detroit Red Wings' latest first-round pick might play in North America as early as this upcoming season.

It's not something Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman likes to do, but
Brandsegg-Nygard, who was selected 15th overall this past June, will have an opportunity to make the NHL roster this Fall as an 18-year-old. Yzerman typically likes to see his prospects marinate or, as some will say, overcook overseas or at the AHL level. There have been a few exceptions, of course, such as Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. I am not suggesting Brandsegg-Nygard will have the same impact Raymond did right from the get-go, but it appears as though the Detroit Red Wings feel their most recent first-round choice is a bit further along in his development than many initially thought.

The Oslo, Norway native appeared in 41 games for Mora IK of the Swedish Hockey League last season, recording eight goals and 18 points. The young playmaker exploded during the postseason, notching four goals and ten points in just 12 games. He finished a plus-3 during the regular season and accumulated 19 penalty minutes. Brandsegg-Nygard was promoted from Mora IK's junior club early last season after he amassed five goals and 12 points in seven games.

There is a pretty cool aspect to all of this: if Brandsegg-Nygard doesn't end up staying in North America this Fall, he will be playing on the same club as 2023 first-round pick Axel Sandin Pellikka, one of Detroit's top defense prospects.